PHILADELPHIA, PA — One of South Philadelphia’s most colorful and creative corners is preparing to come alive in a whole new way this summer as First Fridays on Percy Street transforms the city’s famous “Electric Street” into an open-air celebration of art, music, food, and community.
The new event series, organized by Nice Things Handmade and Percy Street Project, will bring more than 40 local vendors, live music, live mural painting, and food vendors to the 1300 block of South Percy Street in Passyunk Square. The free, family-friendly gathering debuts on Friday, June 5, with a second installment planned for Friday, July 3.
Known for its glowing overhead lights and vibrant public art, Percy Street has become one of Philadelphia’s most distinctive creative destinations. The block’s signature “Electric Street” installation, created by artists David Guinn and Drew Billiau in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Knight Foundation, transformed a once-overlooked alley into a celebrated neighborhood landmark.
Now organizers hope to build on that success by creating a new summertime tradition.
“Percy Street has always been about neighbors coming together and rallying to make something beautiful and joyful out of an overlooked corner of the city,” said Elissa Kara, owner and founder of Nice Things Handmade. “First Fridays is the next chapter to activate a place where artists of every medium have somewhere to show their work. We want to bring the community together in an all new way and create a new South Philly summer tradition.”
Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere throughout the evening, with local musicians performing at multiple locations along the block. Banjo player Houston West will perform near the Reed Street entrance, while The Jillian Ashcraft Quartet will bring jazz-inspired sounds to the 9th Street entrance as part of The Shady Cat Speakeasy. DJ Linz and Mars will provide music throughout the event from the center of the block.
The event will also feature live mural painting coordinated by RoseBear Arts. Artists including Zach Woomer, Worldsgraytest Art, Luke Weichmann, and others will create new works on a four-sided mural wall, adding another layer to the street’s evolving artistic landscape.
Food will be a major attraction as well. Philadelphia baker Phil Korshak will return to the grill, serving hot dogs and other specialties from his upcoming venture, Korshak Parkside Provisions, which is expected to open this summer at 13th and Reed streets. Chilly Banana will offer dairy-free vegan banana whips with a variety of toppings.
Shoppers can browse handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, and other creations from more than 40 local makers, including Ally’s Art, Bodacious Caricatures, Collide Zine, Crown Collective, DK Hannon Illustration, Designs By Rel, DrS Glass, Fantastically Damaged, Fever Dreams Artwork, Goosepoop Games, Hooked by Tammy, Jewelrywithme, Lily Lough Jewelry, Kimiko Benjamin, Meal Ticket Jewelry, Mystical Mechanic, Nicholas Bennett Home, Philly Ain’t Bad, ThatsBearlyArt, The Creep Boutique, and Unruly Patchouli, with additional vendors expected to be announced.
Event Details
- What: First Fridays on Percy Street
- When: Friday, June 5, 2026, and Friday, July 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: 1300 Block of South Percy Street, Passyunk Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Free admission; open to the public
- More Info: Follow @nicethingsphila on Instagram and Facebook for updates, vendor announcements, and future event details
The event is designed to be welcoming for all ages, including families and four-legged companions, while providing local artists and makers with a platform to showcase their work.
As summer gets underway, organizers hope First Fridays on Percy Street will become a beloved neighborhood gathering that celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that helped transform Electric Street into one of South Philadelphia’s brightest destinations.
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